writing time & price calculator
How long will it take to write 500, 1,000 or 2,000 words, and what should you charge for it? Estimate drafting, research, revisions, and admin time, then compare hourly and per-word pricing.
The length of the piece, cluster or batch you're estimating.
Your finished drafting speed, in hours per 1,000 words.
Brief review, source reading, interviews, or outline prep.
Self-editing and expected revision time.
Client messages, formatting, CMS upload, or handoff.
your estimate
- Your writing pace
- 500 words/hour
- Writing time for 1,500 words
- 3 hrs
- Research / prep
- 1 hr
- Editing / revisions
- 30 min
- Admin / upload
- 30 min
- Total extra time
- 2 hrs
- Total project time
- 5 hrs
Add your hourly or per-word rate to see what this project should cost. Fill in both to compare them. You'll get the effective hourly a per-word rate really works out to.
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This tool prices a writing project. Use the project quote calculator to build the full quote or our guide to setting freelance writing rates →
This Writing Time & Price Calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. By using this tool, you agree that you are solely responsible for your business and pricing decisions, and the creators are not liable for any outcomes resulting from its use.
FAQs on calculating your freelance writing time
How long does it take to write 1,000 words?
For most writers, drafting 1,000 words takes roughly 1-3 hours depending on the topic, research depth, and how familiar you are with the subject. A common working pace is about 500 words an hour, or 2 hours per 1,000 words. Use the speed presets as a starting point, then adjust to your own pace.
How do I work out my writing speed?
Time yourself on a piece you know well and divide the word count by the hours it took. If a 1,500-word article took 3 hours of actual drafting, that’s 500 words/hour, or 2 hours per 1,000 words. Enter that number above and the calculator does the rest.
What should I include in a writing time estimate?
Include drafting time, research or prep, editing and revisions, and admin or upload time. Writing is rarely just typing words. Brief review, source reading, interviews, client messages, formatting, and CMS handoff can all change the real cost of the project.
How much should I charge for a 1,000-word article?
Multiply your total estimated time by your hourly rate, or your word count by your per-word rate. This tool shows both, plus the effective hourly a per-word rate works out to. If you do not know your rate yet, the freelance writing rate calculator builds one from your income goals and expenses.
How many words can I write in an hour?
Most writers draft between 300 and 800 words an hour, with 500 words/hour a common working average. Speed depends on how much research the piece needs, how familiar you are with the subject, and whether you're working from a detailed brief. Time yourself on one piece and enter your real number rather than relying on an average.
Is this the same as a project quote calculator?
No. This writing time calculator is best for estimating time and comparing hourly vs per-word pricing. For a larger flat-fee project with phases, add-ons, complexity, margin, and proposal pricing, use the project quote calculator.
